Economic Development

City Planning

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1st Avenue and Steele Street Alternatives Evaluation Study

The 1st Avenue and Steele Street intersection is one of the primary nodes of activity in Cherry Creek. Thousands of people pass through or around the intersection daily through a variety of different transportation modes including transit, vehicles, walking and biking. While the intersection was designed to help vehicle and transit traffic flow efficiently, pedestrians and cyclists are required to make multiple crossing movements in order to get from the northeast corner of the intersection to the Cherry Creek Shopping Center on the southwest corner. With density increasing through a surge of redevelopment directly adjacent to the intersection, there is opportunity for the intersection to better serve demand from all modes. The Cherry Creek Area Plan (adopted June 2012) recommended further study of the intersection to determine the best relationship between the intersection, surrounding developments and land uses, and the multi-modal needs of local and regional traffic.

The goal of the 1st and Steele Alternatives Evaluation was to identify and explore near-term, implementable strategies that can achieve a simpler configuration, a more intuitive crossing experience for pedestrians and cyclists, and improved connections to the amenities surrounding the intersection. Following an evaluation of existing conditions and a consideration of the information and recommendations from Cherry Creek Area Plan,Denver Moves, and the Cherry Creek Traffic and Parking Inventory (2013), the project team analyzed mobility challenges and identified alternative options for consideration. With the understanding that the intersection is influenced by its surrounding intersections, the study area for the project was defined as the 1st and Steele intersection itself in addition to the adjacent intersections of E. 1st Ave. and St. Paul, E. 1st Ave. and Adams, and Steele St. and Ellsworth.

Throughout the study process, the project team sought public input to help optimize each alternative to best meet the needs of people who live, work and travel through the corridor via a variety of different transportation modes. The project team, with the help of stakeholder feedback, worked to understand the trade-offs and benefits associated with each option and, ultimately, identified a preferred alternative that will move closer to implementation through an engineering design process in 2015. Project timeline for design is TBD and was funded through the 2015 Capital Improvements Program. At this time, no implementation funding has been allocated for construction.

To review the final report from the 1st Avenue and Steele Street Alternatives Evaluation Study, please click here.